Driver's License

Getting Your S.C. Drivers’ License

This document contains important information you need to know regarding obtaining our South Carolina Drivers License. If you have questions, please contact Louis Bregger (blouis@clemson.edu, 656-0437).

International Drivers’ Licenses

According to the SC Department of Motor Vehicles main office, International Driver’s icenses in conjunction with your license from your country ARE valid for up to ONE YEAR. They have recognized this is an area that is not clearly defined and are working to inform officials that these licenses ARE accepted. However, remember that it is still helpful to have a SC Driver’s License as it may well mean that insurance on your car will be lower in price.

Steps for Getting a SC Drivers’ License

1. Review the SC Drivers Manual, available on the web at: http://www.scdmvonline.com/DLmanual.aspx or you may get one at the Seneca office.
2. Go to the Dept. of Motor Vehicles in Seneca (directions below). Take with you:
   • Social Security Card OR a letter saying all your documents have been verified but you are not eligible for a Social Security Card (this is the case for F-2 dependents for example).
   • I-20 form
   • Passport with I-94 formLetter of enrollment from the CU Registrar’s Office in 102 Sikes Hall
   • Proof of SC Residency- utility bill (gas, water, electric, cable, no cell phone bills), dorm or housing contract, bank statement showing SC address, etc.
   • Car insurance information if applying for a regular license (not necessary for beginner’s permits).
   • For a complete list visit http://www.scdmvonline.com/forms/MV-94.pdf
3. If you DO NOT have an International Drivers License AND a license from your country you must first…Apply for a Beginner’s Permit
   • This is a written test
   • Study the SC Drivers Manual for information that will be on the test.
   • Your beginner’s permit allows you to ONLY drive with a licensed driver over age 21 in the car with you at all times.
   • Once you have had your permit for 180 days you may renew it, or apply for a regular license.
4. If you DO have an International Drivers License AND a license from your country OR if you have had a beginner’s permit for 180 days you may apply for a regular license.
   • You need to have had the license from your country for at least 6 month.
   • You need to get someone to translate the license. This could be a language or other professor at Clemson who speaks that language and they need to fill out the SC DMV Translation Document. Visit http://www.scdmvonline.com/forms/4030.pdf to access this pdf file.
   • This is a driving test.
   • Plan to arrive at the DMV earlier in the day as you may have to wait a little while before taking the test and reservations are not permitted.
   • Your car will be inspected to see if you are allowed to take the test in it.
   • The driving test includes: following directions, proper stops, parallel parking, 3-point turns, etc. You will either pass or fail. More information is in the SC Driver’s Manual.
   • License will be issued for the time shown on your I-20 or DS-2019 but for no longer than 5 years.
5. Foreign License but no International License: you may apply for the SC drivers license using only your foreign license (you do the written and driving test on the same day much like you would do if you had both the country and international licenses). See previous requirements.

Changing Your Address

When you move, you MUST notify the DMV of your new address. You will need to go to the DMV where you got your license and change your address. You will have to pay a fee for a new license to be made. It will cost around $10, depending if you renew your license or get a duplicate made.

Test in a Rental Car

This is perfectly fine as long as your name appears on the rental agreement. You do not have to show any special insurance info in addition to the rental agreement.

Department of Motor Vehicle Locations and Directions

All DMV's are open from 8:30am- 5:00pm.

Seneca DMV

Driving Directions

1. Take Hwy. 123 (the road with Zaxby’s, McDonald’s and Wendy’s on it) toward Seneca.
2. In Seneca, continue on the by-pass.
3. Pass the intersection where SC 28 turns off to Walhalla then turn left on Radio Station Road.
4. This will take you directly to the DMV. It is just beyond the light and on the left.

Total Estimated Time: 24 minutes

Anderson DMV

Driving Directions

1. Start out going Southeast on SC-133/College Ave toward N Clemson Ave.
2. SC-133/College Ave becomes SC 93/Old Greenville Hwy/Palmetto Blvd.
3. Merge onto SC 28 E.
4. Turn Left onto North Blvd.
5. North Blvd. Becomes US 29 BR
6. Turn SLIGHT right onto US 29
7. End at 331 Bypass 29 N Anderson, SC

Total Estimated Time: 36 minutes

Pickens DMV

Driving Directions

1. Start out going Southeast on SC-133/College Ave toward N Clemson Ave.
2. SC 133/College Ave becomes SC 93
3. Turn left onto US 178/Pickens Dr. Continue to follow US 178
4. Turn right onto Bethlehem Ridge Rd/SC S 39-267
5. Turn right onto SC 8/Pickens Hwy/Gentry Memorial Hwy
6. End at 2133 Gentry Memorial Hwy Pickens, SC

Total Estimated Time: 35 minutes

Remember

Do not wait until right before 5:00 pm to go to the DMV because it will take some time to complete all of the requirements. It is suggested to go in the morning so that you have plenty of time. Because we do not have the vehicle capacity to take all students to the DMV we will not be able to offer rides to students needing to get there. Your best option is to find a friend who has a driver’s license and car and get them to take you. Good Luck!